Chesapeake Conservancy Welcomes New Board Member
Former Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Elected to Board
Annapolis, MD – Today, the Chesapeake Conservancy announced Mark Belton has been elected to its board of directors.
Belton is the County Administrator for Charles County, Md. and former Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources under the Hogan Administration. He was previously the county administrator of Queen Anne's County, Charles County, and Page County in Virginia. Belton also served as executive director of the non-profit organization, Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
Photo by Chesapeake Bay Program
“Mark brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep understanding of state and local government, and a passion for the Chesapeake Bay. We are honored that he has chosen to contribute his efforts to the Chesapeake Conservancy’s mission," Anne Scott, chair of the board, said.
“It’s an honor to have been elected to the Chesapeake Conservancy’s Board of Directors. I am passionate about leaving a legacy for future generations of a healthier Chesapeake Bay that supports a thriving outdoor recreation economy,” Belton said. “I have admired Chesapeake Conservancy’s phenomenal work with data and technology that is bolstering the efforts of other nonprofits and state and local governments. I also value their work with the National Park Service to increase public access so that more people can fall in love with the Bay and help take care of the Chesapeake.”
A former Navy Rear Admiral, Belton served his country for 31 years before retiring in 2014. Belton served on active duty for more than seven years and spent the remainder of his naval career in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was recalled to active duty twice, the first time to Kosovo in 2001 and the second to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in 2009 as the senior force representative to the Iraqi Ministries of Oil and Electricity. When he retired, he was serving as deputy commander, Naval Supply Systems Command.
Belton graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1983. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Regis University; graduated from the United States Naval War College, College of Distance Education; as well as, the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education program at the Joint Forces Staff College. He lives in Charles County.
